South Korean officials avoid jail for forced repatriation of DPRK fishermen | NK News
NK News Logo
February 22, 2025
News

South Korean officials avoid jail for forced repatriation of DPRK fishermen

Prosecutors had sought 3-5 years prison time for four Moon administration officials’ involvement in 2019 repatriation

A Seoul court on Wednesday handed suspended sentences to four former high-ranking officials from the Moon Jae-in administration for their involvement in the forced repatriation of two North Korean fishermen in 2019. 

The suspended sentences come despite repeated criticism by NGOs and escapees over the forced repatriation of the two men to the DPRK, where rights groups say they likely faced torture or execution.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.